Javi Gracia backs Leeds United ace Marc Roca to earn first Spain call-up
Leeds United manager Javi Gracia has backed midfielder Marc Roca to appear for Spain in the near future.
Roca was a regular in the Leeds midfield under former manager Jesse Marsch but has found playing time slightly harder to come by under Gracia.
His lack of recent playing time has also coincided with the January arrival of USA international Weston McKennie, with Tyler Adams occupying the other spot in midfield.
“He has been, is and will be important,” said Gracia to DAZN, as relayed by mundoplus.tv. “The importance of Marc’s participation in the team, from my point of view, does not only have to be reduced to whether he starts every game or not. He is going to be important to us, without a doubt.
“I would dare to say also on the national scene. He is a player that I consider could be helping in the selection, if the selector deems it appropriate. He is a player who is at a very good level, beyond the fact that he plays for a minute or so.”
Roca fighting for Spain spot
Leeds boss Gracia is seemingly confident that his compatriot will make it into Spain’s squad sooner rather than later, but it is certainly a huge ask.
That is because Spain have a huge list of talented midfielders to choose from, namely Manchester City’s Rodri and Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets.
Also set for a call-up to the latest Spanish squad are young stars Gavi and Pedri, both of Barcelona, while Atletico Madrid captain Koke remains on the international scene.
Roca could feature in Leeds’ Premier League clash with Wolves on Saturday, the club’s last match before the upcoming international break.
Spain have two Euro 2024 qualifiers to keep them busy this month, firstly hosting Norway before a trip to Hampden Park to take on Scotland.
Roca made seven appearances for Spain under-21s, and must first get minutes for his club if he has to have a chance of being included in the Spanish senior squad.
In other Leeds United news, Liam Cooper is on the verge of returning from injury after being named in the latest Scotland squad.